Iran’s Pezeshkian expresses ‘regret’ to the emir of Qatar
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Iran’s Pezeshkian expresses ‘regret’ to the emir of Qatar
Iranian president says neither Qatar nor its people were targets of attack on US base in the gas-rich Gulf nation. Iran launched 19 missiles at the US base, which is the largest in the Middle East, with Qatari defence forces intercepting 18 of them. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had launched this “powerful and devastating missile attack” in response to the “blatant military aggression” by the US on Iran”s nuclear facilities on Sunday. Qatari officials confirmed that the airbase was evacuated before the attack. The tit-for-tat attacks between the US and Iran come amidst the conflict between Israel and Iran, which began on June 13, after the Israeli army struck multiple targets inside Iran. Hours after the attack on the Al Udeid Air Base, both countries have agreed to a ceasefire.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed his “regret” to Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani over Tehran’s missile attack on a US base on Monday.
In a phone call on Tuesday with the emir, Pezeshkian noted that neither Qatar nor its population were the target of the attack on the Al Udeid Air Base, the United States base in Qatar, and that it did “not represent a threat” to the Gulf nation, the Diwan (emir’s office) said in a statement.
“[Pezeshkian] stressed that the State of Qatar will remain a neighbouring, Muslim, and sisterly state, and expressed his hope that relations between the two countries will always be based on the principles of respect for the sovereignty of states and good neighbourliness,” the statement said.
Iran launched 19 missiles at the US base, which is the largest in the Middle East, with Qatari defence forces intercepting 18 of them, according to officials from the Ministry of Interior. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had launched this “powerful and devastating missile attack” in response to the “blatant military aggression” by the US on Iran’s nuclear facilities on Sunday.
سمو الأمير المفدى يتلقى اتصالاً هاتفياً من فخامة الرئيس الدكتور مسعود بزشكيان رئيس الجمهورية الإسلامية الإيرانية. https://t.co/xrn7hpCfPR — الديوان الأميري (@AmiriDiwan) June 24, 2025
Translation: His Highness the Emir receives a phone call from His Excellency Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
During the Iranian attack, a series of flares and loud explosions were observed in Qatar’s capital, Doha, as well as other areas of the country. Qatari officials confirmed that the airbase was evacuated before the attack.
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According to the Diwan, the emir “reiterated Qatar’s strong condemnation” of the attack, considering it a “flagrant violation of its sovereignty and airspace”.
“His Highness the Emir also expressed that this violation is completely inconsistent with the principle of good neighbourliness and the close relations between the two countries, especially since Qatar has always been an advocate of dialogue with Iran and has made strenuous diplomatic efforts in this regard,” the statement added.
Iran and Qatar have long enjoyed fraternal relations, and the Qatari government has condemned both the Israeli and US attacks on Iran. But Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani spoke at a news conference on Tuesday of a “scar” to relations between Doha and Tehran that would need time to heal.
Earlier on Tuesday, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said it sent a letter to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the UN Security Council, denouncing the IRGC’s “extremely dangerous escalation” and saying the attack posed a “direct threat to regional peace and security”.
The tit-for-tat attacks between the US and Iran come amidst the conflict between Israel and Iran, which began on June 13, after the Israeli army struck multiple targets inside Iran.
Hours after the attack on the Al Udeid Air Base, US President Donald Trump announced late on Monday that Israel and Iran had agreed to a ceasefire. Nevertheless, both countries have accused each other of violating the truce.
Qatari emir holds calls with Iranian and US presidents, condemns targeting Al-Udeid
Lebanese prime minister arrives in Doha to meet with Qatari counterpart. He says he hopes the end of the conflict will lead to the restoration of Lebanon’s sovereignty. He also calls for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the country’s territory. The two countries have been locked in a conflict since the start of the year over Iran’s nuclear program. The conflict has claimed the lives of more than 3,000 people, many of them children. The death toll from the conflict has risen to more than 1,000, according to the U.S. State Department. The U.N. Security Council has called for an end to the conflict, saying it is a threat to international peace and security. The United Nations has called on all sides to refrain from using force against each other.
BEIRUT: During an official visit to Qatar on Tuesday, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam welcomed the fact that his country had managed to avoid being pulled into the conflict between Iran and Israel that began on June 13.
When he met the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Salam hailed the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran announced on Monday, and thanked Doha for its efforts to help end the hostilities. Both leaders agreed that the end of the conflict would help foster stability in Lebanon, Palestine and the wider Gulf region, the prime minister’s media office said.
During a joint press conference with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Qatar’s prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, Salam said: “We in Lebanon, all of us, have succeeded in preventing the country from being drawn into a new war amid the ongoing regional conflict over the past two weeks.
“Now, with military operations having ceased, we look forward to turning a new page focused on diplomatic efforts.”
Israel has been accused of ramping up strikes on targets in southern Lebanon amid its conflict with Iran, and near-daily violations of a November ceasefire agreement that ended its 14-month war with Hezbollah.
Salam arrived in Doha on Tuesday morning, the day after Iran’s attack on a US military base in Qatar caused his flight to be diverted to Bahrain. He resumed his journey when airspace reopened and was the first passenger to land at the city’s airport following the previous day’s incident.
He condemned the attack on Qatar and expressed his full solidarity with the leadership of the country and its people. He also described the Israeli aggression against Iran as a violation of Iranian sovereignty and a breach of international law.
Addressing the possibility of renewed Hezbollah involvement in conflicts, Salam said: “The Lebanese state will extend its authority, through its own forces, over all Lebanese territory, as stipulated in the Taif Agreement.”
He added that “true stability cannot be achieved unless Israel fully withdraws from the Lebanese territories it continues to occupy, known as the Five Points.”
During talks with his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed, Salam thanked Qatar for its “continued support for the Lebanese army.” They addressed the need for intensified international and regional efforts to halt repeated Israeli attacks on Lebanon, and reiterated calls for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Lebanese territories, reconstruction efforts, and the full restoration of Lebanese sovereignty over all of its territory.
Regarding the possibility that Lebanon could ask Qatar and Turkiye to put diplomatic pressure on Israel to withdraw from its positions in Lebanese territory, Salam said: “We are striving to use all available political and diplomatic forces to pressure Israel, beginning with our Arab brothers and extending to the permanent members of the UN Security Council and the United States.”
He highlighted reported Israeli violations of the November ceasefire deal and called for international pressure on the state “to respect and implement that agreement.”
Qatari officials offered their support for efforts to address the Syrian refugee crisis in Lebanon, and are considering “practical plans that would allow for a safe and dignified return to their homes,” Salam’s media office said.
The prime minister led a delegation during his trip to Qatar that included Minister of Culture Ghassan Salameh, Minister of Energy and Water Joe Saddi, Minister of Public Works and Transport Fayez Rasamni, and Minister of State for Administrative Reform Fadi Makki.
Iranian President Pezeshkian Declares End oOf 12-Day Iran-Israel War, Says Truce Is ‘Testament To Historic Determination’
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad announced the end of a 12-day war with Israel. He said that Iran would continue to work with Israel to resolve its differences. He also said that Israel would not be allowed to use force against Iran in the future. He added that the war was over and that the two countries would work together to resolve their differences. The U.S. and Israel have been at odds for years over Iran’s nuclear program.
“Today, after the heroic resistance of our great nation, whose determination makes history, we are witnessing the establishment of a truce and the ending of this 12-day war imposed by the adventurism and provocation of Israel,” Pezeshkian said in his national address.
Iran Commits to Truce, Open to Dialogue President Pezeshkian affirmed that Iran would respect the ceasefire as long as Israel upholds its side of the agreement. Speaking to Iran’s Nournews, he reiterated that Iran remains committed to diplomacy and will protect national interests through dialogue. His remarks came amid regional tensions following a strike by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on a US military base in Qatar.
ALSO READ: Indian Engineer Helped Design B-2 Stealth Bomber: But Why Noshir Gowadia Ended Up In US Prison In response, Pezeshkian held a phone call with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who condemned the IRGC attack as a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and international law. The Emir urged Iran to return to diplomatic efforts and avoid further escalation. Pezeshkian expressed regret over the incident and clarified that Qatar was not an intended target.
Israeli Military Declares ‘Chapter Closed’ Israeli military officials struck a more cautious tone. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir acknowledged the end of a significant chapter in Israel’s confrontation with Iran but stressed that the larger campaign was not yet over.
‘It’s not peace – it’s a pause’: Iranians sceptical ceasefire will hold
From Tehran to Yazd, Iranians are wary of the truce with Israel holding as officials trade accusations and threats. Conflict started on June 13 when Israel launched strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites. Iran retaliated by launching ballistic missiles and drone attacks on Israeli cities. Iran says at least 610 people have been killed, while 4,746 have been wounded. In Israel, at least 28 people have died while hundreds have been injured. Iran has maintained its nuclear programme is peaceful and for civilian uses. The ceasefire, which began on Tuesday, brought only minimal relief to those, like Sameneh, who doubt it will last, particularly amid claims of violations and promises of retaliation. The US president has called for regime change, writing on social media on Sunday, “If the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!” The ceasefire is not peace – it’s a pause. How can we trust those who talk of regime change and peace in the same breath?” asked one woman.
In the Iranian capital Tehran, after a night of heavy bombardment and then the beginning of a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran following nearly two weeks of intense air strikes, confusion, uncertainty and distrust have gripped households.
Some families displaced during the conflict rushed home; others have been more cautious.
For Samaneh, a 37-year-old reporter who, like other Iranians interviewed in this article, only wanted to give her first name, the intensity of Monday evening’s bombardment left her feeling shaken.
“The last night of the bombing was the worst. I truly thought I’d never see my loved ones again,” she said, fearing for family and friends elsewhere in the Iranian capital.
The ceasefire, which began on Tuesday, brought only minimal relief to those, like Sameneh, who doubt it will last, particularly amid claims of violations and promises of retaliation.
“I know this ceasefire is temporary,” Samaneh explained, adding that when United States President Donald Trump first announced it on Monday, she “thought it was just another psychological game … [he] was playing with us”.
“I couldn’t believe they’d [Israel and Iran] agree to it. I keep expecting someone to sabotage the whole thing,” said the Tehran-based woman. “It wasn’t until [Foreign Affairs Minister Abbas] Araghchi posted on Telegram confirming [the ceasefire in] a formal message from Oman that I felt relief – along with sadness, anger and fear,” she added.
“I’m deeply discouraged. But at least after 12 nights, I hope I can finally get to sleep again,” she said. “My heart aches for the people of Gaza, Palestine, Lebanon – those who’ve endured this kind of suffering for years.”
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The conflict started on June 13 when Israel launched strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites but also residential areas in Tehran, killing dozens of civilians, a number of military commanders and scientists. Iran retaliated by launching ballistic missiles and drone attacks on Israeli cities. Iran says at least 610 people have been killed, while 4,746 have been wounded. In Israel, at least 28 people have been killed while hundreds have been injured.
‘Us who pay’
In Karaj, part of the greater Tehran region, 41-year-old history teacher Raha, who had been abroad but insisted on returning home when Israel attacked to ensure her family were safe, expressed indignation.
“It’s not peace – it’s a pause. How can we trust those who talk of regime change and peace in the same breath?” she asked.
Trump has spoken of Iran accepting “peace” – essentially accepting US terms for a surrender of its nuclear programme. At the same time, the US president has called for regime change, writing on social media on Sunday, “If the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!”
She added: “I fear it’s just a short break – a chance for Israel’s military to regroup before launching another round of air strikes, just like they’ve done in Palestine and Lebanon.”
“The US and Israel erased our agency,” Raha continued. “They’re deciding our future without us. They talk about women, life and freedoms … yet they attacked my land. They violated the skies and borders of my country. They killed innocent people. And within hours, billions of dollars – money that could have gone towards rebuilding Iran – were obliterated by American bombs. Our nuclear programme turned into craters and black holes.”
Israel and the US have for years accused Iran of developing nuclear weapons, while Iran has maintained that its nuclear programme is peaceful and for civilian uses.
Hadi, a 42-year-old civil engineer from the southwestern city of Ahwaz, backs the government’s position on its nuclear programme, pointing out that it had agreed to a previous nuclear deal in 2015 that Trump had unilaterally withdrawn from three years later.
“As a country, we repeatedly said we were not pursuing nuclear weapons,” Hadi said. “It was Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the nuclear deal that dragged Iran into the abyss of war.”
But Hadi still welcomed the ceasefire, and is happy the Iranian government accepted it.
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“We’ve lost so many martyrs. I hope this brings the people of my country closer together – and that the government softens its stances on things like the hijab,” he said. “We need to rebuild, and we need unity.”
Raha, meanwhile, is worried about the domestic blowback and dreads what is yet to come for Iranians, given the deaths and scale of damage caused by Israeli bombardment, which she believes the government may see as a defeat.
“I’m afraid the regime will now try to take revenge for its defeat against Israel by turning its repression inward, especially against women. More arrests. More crackdowns. It’s always us who pay,” she said.
Iran has arrested dozens of people since the outbreak of the conflict with Israel, mainly on suspicion of spying for Israel. Iran has previously cracked down on supporters of antigovernment protests in 2022, and some human rights activists fear that more people will be arrested after the fighting with Israel for expressing opinions critical of the government.
‘I don’t trust it will last’
In the central Iranian city of Yazd, Mohammad, a 28-year-old nurse, has spent the night shift on high alert, after Israeli missiles a day before struck two military sites in the central province, killing nine security personnel. He returned home early Tuesday morning to the news of the ceasefire being confirmed by Iranian authorities.
“Honestly, my brain isn’t working properly after a night shift. But I’m still in shock,” he said. “Contrary to what many of us expected – a drawn-out war – the regime agreed to a ceasefire almost suddenly. It was so unexpected that even many of its critics couldn’t believe it. I think they [the regime] were cornered, afraid of more high-profile Israeli assassinations, or even internal armed groups,” he added.
“I’m glad there’s a ceasefire, but I don’t trust it will last,” continued the exhausted 28-year-old, adding that he believed global powers were simply sacrificing Iranian lives for their own agendas.
“I don’t trust the [Iranian government], the US or Israel,” Mohammad continued. “This regime had a chance to make a deal with the [US President Joe] Biden administration – and wasted it. Israel violated our sovereignty, killed hundreds of civilians and soldiers, destroyed our infrastructure, and assassinated our nuclear scientists and their families. The US bombed my country and wiped out the wealth of several generations in a matter of hours,” he noted, referring to the destruction wrought on the country.
“As far as I’m concerned, I have every right not to trust any of those involved in this ceasefire.”
This piece was published in collaboration with Egab.
Qatari emir holds calls with Iranian and US presidents, condemns targeting Al-Udaid
The emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, received separate phone calls from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump on Tuesday. The IRGC on Monday night fired missiles at Al-Udeid Air Base, the largest US military base in the Middle East. The attack was a retaliatory action after the US hit three of Iran’s nuclear facilities over the weekend.
Sheikh Tamim strongly condemned the Iranian attack at the outset of his call with Pezeshkian. He said the act was “a blatant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and airspace, as well as a breach of international law and the United Nations Charter.”
The IRGC on Monday night fired missiles at Al-Udeid Air Base, the largest US military base in the Middle East, accommodating about 10,000 service members, located 30 kilometers southwest of Doha. The attack was a retaliatory action after the US hit three of Iran’s nuclear facilities over the weekend.
Sheikh Tamim said that Iran’s action contradicted the principles of good neighborliness and highlighted Doha’s ongoing commitment to dialogue with Iran.
He urged an immediate halt to military operations and a return to negotiations to resolve the crisis and ensure regional security and safety, the Qatar News Agency reported.
Pezeshkian expressed regret to Sheikh Tamim for the damage caused by Monday’s attack. He said that Qatar and its people were not the intended targets of the military operation and that “the attack does not constitute a threat” to Qatar.
Sheikh Tamim also spoke with Trump, who affirmed Washington’s solidarity with Doha after the Iranian attack and rejected “any aggression that threatens the security and safety of the State of Qatar and undermines the security and stability of the region.”
During the call with Sheikh Tamim, Trump urged restraint and seeking diplomatic solutions.
Sheikh Tamim thanked Trump for the supportive stance of the United States. He also mentioned that the readiness of the Qatari armed forces and the precautionary measures authorities took resulted in no fatalities or injuries.